Jan McInturf, owner of McInturf Realty in New Philadelphia, said Sunday's 60-degree temperatures just three days before Christmas were "phenomenal."

And his real-estate agency's 17th annual Christmas in the Park drew "phenomenal" crowds, as thousands of people, including parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles — and oh yes, children — flocked into Tuscora Park for the extravaganza.

McInturf was elated with the turnout, calling it the largest he has ever seen at the event, which he started, and which has become an annual tradition for many.

While Sunday's mild temperatures may have helped bolster the turnout, McInturf believes moving the event from the traditional Monday to Sunday also helped.

Vocalist Todd T. Taylor, who ended his four-hour Christmas songfest with "It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas," said it was the largest crowd he has ever seen at Christmas in the Park. "They can thank God for the great weather ... you know what it was like a couple of days ago," he said.

During his fourth year at Christmas in the Park, Taylor performed many of the songs on his "A Christmas to Remember" CD, while costumed dancers performed in front of his decorated stage area.

The entire park was lighted with a Christmas theme, and the activities included carriage rides through Storybook Lane, a live Nativity (including animals), live reindeer and strolling costumed characters.

The park's carousel, train, pony and airplane rides also were in operation, and children were lined up to have their photos taken with Santa for more than an hour after the event closed.

Melissa Dean of New Philadelphia, along with her husband, Chris, and their children, Hudson, 4, and Harper, seven months, were among those who enjoyed the activities. Melissa said the children especially liked the rides, and Hudson said his favorite was the airplane ride.

"We had a good night," said Melissa, as they walked to the parking lot following their two hours in the park.

In addition to free refreshments, hot dogs were available for a $1 donation, with all proceeds going to charity. This year's donations, which McInturf estimated at "well over a thousand dollars," will go to The Rainbow Connection.